Things You Should Know Before Moving to Portland, OR - Movers.com
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Things You Should Know Before Moving to Portland, OR

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Portland is the perfect place to call home. A sensational city life, nice neighborhoods, booming business, excellent education and wonderful weather are all reasons to relocate to the Pacific Northwest region.

The 29th most populated city in the country, Portland has almost 600,000 residents living in the 145-mile wide location. Located only 70 miles west of the Pacific Ocean, residents can enjoy both the city and the sea all in one day, making the region a rare place to live.

To learn more about this lovely area, browse through this guide and get to know the City of Roses, a region you may soon call home.

Portland Climate

The area's oceanic climate, warm summers and cool winters, make it a comfy location to live. With an average high of 81 degrees in August and a typical low of 35 degrees in December, Portland never gets extremely hot or exceptionally cold.

Spring and fall temperatures range between 50 to 60 degrees, however unexpected highs and lows during the season have surprised residents with hot and cold spells. Portland does not see too much snow in the winter, averaging only 7 inches a year due to the locations low elevation. Regional rainfall is more dominant than snow, with residents needing to use umbrellas almost 160 days a year for the 36 inches of precipitation that falls annually.

Portland Neighborhoods

The five quadrants in the city are made up of more than 90 neighborhoods. The southwest, northwest, north, northeast and southeast regions are all diverse subdivisions, each section unique as it offers different opportunities to residents. The Office of Neighborhood Involvement keeps locals abreast of the latest legislation and crime so the entire community is kept in the loop.

On the bank of the Willamette River, Downtown Portland has eight bridges, branding the area "Bridgetown". Pearl District, Old Chinatown and Southwest Hills are popular spots in the city center that are made up of both residential and commercial properties. Portland State University is downtown, making the area popular with young adults and educators.

Registering Your Car

The Oregon Division of Motor Vehicles mandates that you retain a state license upon moving to the area. To get a license you must provide proof of citizenship, a social security card and proof of your full legal name. If you turn in your former state license for an Oregon one, it is likely you will not have to take the written or driven test.

You must also provide certain documents to register and license your car in the state. Whether or not you own your vehicle, you must show proof of title to register the car. After filling out the necessary application and receiving a vehicle inspection, you will be issued a new set of plates. The fee for a two-year registration is $86. License plate costs are $12 for a single plate and $24 for double plates.

Portland Schools

Education is all over the city with six public school districts serving the region. The largest district of them all, and biggest in the state of Oregon, Portland Public Schools educates 47,000 students from kindergarten to senior year in 81 different schools. As part of President Obama's Committee on the Arts and Humanities Turnaround Arts Initiative, a public-private partnership intended to enhance educational facilities through arts education, the district is devoted to student success, claiming that by graduation every student will meet or exceed academic standards.

Portland State University and Portland Community College offer four-year and two-year degrees, with thousands of students graduating from the area with either their bachelors or associates degree. The region also has several private schools that offer a specialized education for students of all ages.

Portland Employment

With a 7.2% unemployment rate, averaging close to the national average of 7.7%, the region is faring well even with the recent economic downturn. Many real estate, construction, technology and manufacturing businesses serve the area workforce, with computer component manufacturer Intel employing 15,000 residents in the locale. A popular employment source in the area is Oregon Live, a job board landing new and old residents career options daily.

There are more than several staffing agencies in the area that are always looking for good labor and can be a great source for a new resident to check out. Another resource for employment is, and always will be, the classifieds. Search out the Portland Tribune classifieds to see if you are interested in working in the area.

Living Costs in the City

According to a Forbes rating, Portland was rated the 36th Best Place for Business and Careers based on 2011 statistics. The financial periodical rating proves there is a good balance between employment and cost of living in the area.

With a median household income of $54,914 and the median home price averaging around $219,000, Portland may be the perfect place for you. If you are not interested in purchasing property, area rentals are reasonably priced, with a one-bedroom place averaging anywhere between $650 and $1,300 depending on the landscape and luxury of the residence.

Portland Moving Resources

Moving and storage companies are ready and willing to help you with your move to Portland, whether you’re moving from out of state or from another county in Oregon. Make sure you get estimates from multiple moving services before you commit to hiring any (at least three estimates). Check back to our guides for tips on how to choose your moving service wisely with important questions to ask, differentiating between types of estimates, and mistakes to avoid. Visit the following pages at Movers.com to get quotes for the following services:

Portland Transportation

Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon, TRIMET, transports Portland residents throughout the city via busses, a light rail and streetcars, giving one many options to get around. With the light rail and streetcar running every 15 minutes, there is no reason to be late to any appointment in the city. Major freeways I-5, I-405 and I-205 are the routes most motorists take when making their way around town.

Cycling has tripled since 2001, with residents putting down their kickstands rather than parking their cars. This green form of transportation is not only good for the city, it is good for residents, making Portland a popular city for good health. Of course Portland International Airport is another way to get in and out of the city from anywhere around the world.

Culture and Contemporary Life

The list of things to do in Portland is endless with annual events keeping residents entertained every season of the year. From the Oregon Seafood and Wine Festival to the Portland International Film Festival, food and film are two top recreational activities residents always look forward to enjoying.

Gallery walks and museums make up much of the area's culture, educating residents on fine art from many points of view. Bars, nightclubs and live music venues in the vicinity create an exciting nightlife in the city with new spots to hang out always popping up.

Portland Relocation Tips

  • Research Washington County where Portland resides to become familiar with the district. The local government keeps residents readily informed on housing and veteran services, as well as volunteer opportunities.

     

  • If you have a business and are relocating to the area, visit the Portland Business Alliance to become familiar with the local commerce.

     

  • Check out the Portland Public Library for employment, community education or just to read a book after you have settled in the state.

Staff Writer  Posted by Staff Writer on March 3, 2013

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